The Inspiration Seekers is a blog founded by sisters-in-law Charlene Panutat-Carlos and Leona Laviña-Panutat as a creative outlet for all things that promote inspired living. The partners share their favorite discoveries and current obsessions through light and informative posts that marry the aspirational with the attainable.

Monthly Archives: April 2015

Workshops have always been part of our plan, unfortunately L’Indochine’s space in SM Aura was just too small for us to do anything aside from shopping parties. So while planning our second store which also happens to be our flagship, we made sure that we had enough space to host anything from mini exhibits to craft workshops.

To kickstart the series, we tapped none other than master crafter Alessa Lanot of Life After Breakfast to create a special workshop just for us! We decided that Batik Dyeing would be perfect since we’re big supporters of this centuries old art form. With the help of our friends Patty Laurel and Janice Villanueva, we rounded up our favorite lifestyle bloggers to join us for a fun afternoon of crafts and cocktails!

Before the workshop proper, we surprised our guests with a special treat from Uniqlo. Each participant received a super chic Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo scarf plus an inviation to a fun instagram contest– a shopping spree for the most creative post with the scarf!

Patty showing us how she likes to style her scarf.

Once everyone was settled. Dyeing kits were distributed to each guest. In it were 2 pillow cases and two fillers. Dyes and tools were provided for each table. Alessa then did a quick talk about how to get started in creating your own design/pattern and gave tips on how to dye the pillows.

While our guests were busy planning their designs we announced another surprise– Our dear friend Elena Bautista (whose jewelry we absoultely adore– we hoard them!) generously sponsored 3 bespoke pieces for the winners of the prettiest Batik designs. As you can see from the photos below, this got everyone’s creative juices flowing!

Guests feasted on bite-sized goodies from Chelsea Kitchen while waiting for their pillow cases to dry. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Risotto balls, Margherita Pizza and Triple Decker Sandwiches, but the runaway hit was definitely the mushroom chicharon! Seriously, so so good! Thank you Chelsea Kitchen!

Judging time! Alessa, went around the store and carefully chose the 3 winners– Michelle our first place winner won a numeral ring, while Monica and Andrea each went home with a letter bracelet. Congratulations ladies!

The winners of bespoke jewelry by Elena Bautista and their gorgeous pillow cases. From Left: Monica Eleazar-Manzano, Andrea Arines and Michelle Lim.

We had one last ace up our sleeve right before ending the event. As our way of thanking the participants for joining L’Indochine’s first ever workshop, we gave each one a bag stocked with our favorite products!

Ines de le Fressange x Uniqlo Scarf

Due to the success of their first collaboration, Uniqlo once again teamed up with the super fabulous Ines de la Fressange on another winning capsule collection. From the crisp button downs to the classic fedora, each piece from the collection oozes effortless chic including the lightweigh scarf gifted to our guests!

Whenever we’re in SM Aura, our go-to spot for savory meals and treats has always been Shine Bakery and Cafe. Thank you for the decadent sweets!

We are so grateful to the Real Living team for always including L’Indochine in their pages. As fans of the magazine we never get tired of seeing our pieces in your publication. Thank you for providing magazine copies and digital books!

When it comes to leather , we trust only Fino. Thank you for the lush buttery soft leather pouches for all our guests!

We can’t get enough of personalized items! We put our names and initials on everything! Thank you Nifty Manila for being our monogram enabler and for these oh-so-pretty gift tags!

With summer upon us, what better way to care for your skin than with Celeteque’s Skin Relief After-Sun Gel? This product is definitely one of our beach bag must-haves!

Obsessed is what we are when it comes to Lucas Papaw. What CAN’T this wonder product do? Thank you Digital Traincase for generously providing each guest with a tube of this amazing ointment!

Shopping made easier! Thank you Janice Villanueva of Mommy Mundo for sharing your book on the best mom-approved products to all our guests!

When it comes to photographing children, families and events, our go-to is always Caren Carlos. She captures the most amazing candid moments! Thank you for generously providing photo shoot sessions to all our guests!

If you’ve ever been inside a L’Indochine store, you know we take the business of scent very seriously! So when we first got a whiff of Smell Chic’s Linen sprays, we were instantly hooked! Thank you Smell Chic for the lovely gift bags you sent over. Everything smells amazing!

Again, a big thank you to everyone who joined L’Indochine’s Batik Dyeing Workshop and to our generous sponsors for making the event extra special!